While Dubuque homes with basements may have numerous positive qualities, they can be a hot spot for water damage within your home. They can provide valuable additional space, but they are particularly susceptible to water damage because of the difficulty of spotting cracks in your foundation from the outside and not knowing until you flood. If you see any of the following signs in your basement, you may have water damage.
Walls and Floors
Water pooling on the floor of your basement is one of the sure signs of water intrusion, which could result from plumbing issues, flooding, or groundwater seepage. When looking at your walls and floors, water damage might present itself as discolored patches and streaks on these surfaces. These streaks might be brown, yellow, or rust-colored, indicating a water’s path.
Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew is another indicator that can result from water damage. They grow in damp, humid climates where water is present. You can recognize mold and mildew by how they look and smell. Generally, mold and mildew are black, green, or white fuzzy spots that grow in circular clusters on drywall, insulation, and wood. They have an earthy, musty scent, and the longer mold and mildew are present in your home, the more pungent the smell and spread of spores becomes.
Paint and Wallpaper
If water damage is present within your walls, it is common for paint to blister, peel, or bubble as moisture seeps through. Wallpaper tends to peel, bubble, and warp from the underlying moisture in the wall. This could also be an indication that you have a hidden pipe leak.
Structural Damage
There are a few signs that can be indicative of severe structural damage due to water damage. Cracks throughout the foundation walls or floor can indicate underlying water pressure and indicate structural issues. Spalling, the chipping or flaking of concrete surfaces due to moisture infiltration, can also mean there is structural damage within your basement. There are also hidden damages such as the frame of the home that is difficult to see that can be affected by long-term water damage.
Sump Pump Overflow
If you have a sump pump and notice a pool of water in the basement, this can indicate a problem with your sump pump overflowing or misfunctioning. Ensuring that your sump pump is working properly on a regular basis is indicative to preventing flooding or pooling of water in your basement. Some homeowners install a backup sump pump to be sure that water can’t compile in the basement.
There’s Water Damage in the Basement: What Now?
Once you discover water damage in your basement, the next best thing to do is to call a water damage restoration company. Water damage restoration companies are available 24/7 due to the importance of immediate action when it comes to water damage. You want to choose a water damage restoration service that uses state-of-the-art equipment and certified skilled technicians to ensure the job is done the right way. A company with years of experience and good customer review indicates a responsible and effective restoration process. Local companies are the best choice because not only are they skilled in the trade, but they know and understand the specific problems that you face locally.
When it comes to water damage restoration services, the experts at Steamatic of Dubuque know exactly what you need. We have 24/7 emergency service with highly skilled technicians ready to take care of your home. We are a local IICRC-certified company that is trained to work as quickly as possible to mitigate water damage and restore your home to its original condition before you know it. Don’t hesitate to contact our team in your time of need.